ERII Capital Campaign
Building the workforce behind our mineral future
ERII is launching an approximately $11 million capital campaign to create the facilities, equipment, and collaborative infrastructure needed to prepare the next generation of mineral professionals.
This two-phase investment will establish ERII’s permanent headquarters in Golden, Colorado, and build the future Drill Core Academy - a dedicated center for hands-on geoscience and mineral-industry training.
Why now
The mineral industry needs a stronger workforce pipeline
Demand for Earth’s resources is accelerating, while the workforce needed to discover and develop them is falling behind.
Meeting this challenge requires professionals who combine foundational field expertise with emerging technologies - and stronger connections between education, research, and industry.
ERII bridges these gaps through applied training, research, innovation, and collaboration, preparing students and early-career professionals with the skills needed for modern mineral exploration and mining.
This campaign will provide the physical infrastructure to expand that work.
An $11 million investment in workforce infrastructure
The ERII Capital Campaign will support two complementary facilities designed to move students and professionals from education into confident, industry-ready practice.
ERII Headquarters - $4.5M
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Renovation and building improvements
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Training, lecture, and convening spaces
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Student and collaborative workspaces
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Mineral Innovation Hub and shared research laboratory
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Technology, equipment, and startup operations
Drill Core Academy - $6.5M
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Land, design, and construction
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Core-logging and instructional spaces
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Classrooms and training technology
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Drill-core collections and analytical equipment
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Startup operations
What this investment makes possible
Workforce Development
Attract, prepare, and retain the next generation of mineral professionals through scholarships, mentoring, applied education, and hands-on technical training.
Research and Innovation
Connect researchers, industry experts, students, and emerging technologies to address real challenges in mineral discovery and development.
Outreach and Convening
Bring universities, industry, educators, and communities together through courses, field experiences, lectures, workshops, and collaborative events.
Build the future with us
Campaign gifts may be made by individuals, companies, foundations, and other organizations committed to strengthening the mineral resources workforce.
Founders Circle
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Visionary Founder: $1M+
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Principal Founder: $500K - $999K
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Leadership Founder: $250K - $499K
Catalyst Circle
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Visionary Builder: $100K - $249K
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Principal Builder: $50K - $99K
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Leadership Builder: $10K - $49K
Impact Circle
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Supporter: Under $10K
Recognition and naming opportunities
ERII plans to recognize the individuals, companies, and organizations whose investments make this vision possible.
Depending on gift level and availability, recognition opportunities may include:
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Permanent campaign recognition
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Named spaces and facilities
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Invitations to openings, demonstrations, and special events
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Leadership briefings and campaign impact updates
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Recognition in campaign and institutional materials
Potential naming opportunities include laboratories, classrooms, collaborative spaces, conference areas, student facilities, and other campaign priorities.
Naming and recognition arrangements are subject to availability, gift agreements, and ERII approval.
Equipment and in-kind partnerships
The campaign also includes opportunities to contribute equipment, materials, technology, and professional services.
Priority in-kind needs may include:
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Drill core and geological materials
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Core tables and handling equipment
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Core scanners and analytical technologies
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Laboratory and research equipment
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Computers and technical infrastructure
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Classroom and office furnishings
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Vehicles and field equipment
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Architectural, engineering, and professional services
ERII will evaluate proposed in-kind contributions based on campaign priorities, suitability, and anticipated long-term use.
Join us in building what comes next
Help create a permanent home for training, research, innovation, and collaboration across the mineral industry.
